Club Chat

BU16 AC Selects MSL Cup Champs!

Congratulations to the boy's U16 MSL Port Moody 01 AC Selects team. On Saturday, March 4th, they defeated Burnaby Selects FC to win the MSL League Cup
for the 3rd year in a row. The strong Burnaby team have been their chief rivals for the championship over the years and, not surprisingly, it was an
intense and physical match. It took until the 2nd half before Niko Korzeniecki managed to put Port Moody ahead with a terrific off-the-ball run to
meet a cross from the right wing by Tye Engmann and direct it into the net. Burnaby responded 10 minutes later with a goal off a corner kick to tie
the score. After full time and 20 minutes of extra time, it was still 1-1 so the game had to be decided on penalty kicks. Then things got really interesting.
Five players from each team were chosen to take penalties to decide the game. But after the first 5 players from each team had taken their penalties,
it was still tied (4-4) forcing sudden-death penalty kicks. Amazingly, all 11 players on the pitch from each team were called upon to shoot before
the MSL League Championship was decided. The final shooters were each team's keepers. Port Moody's keeper, Josef Knittel, shot first and scored. Then
Josef made a terrific save on the Burnaby keeper's shot to finally win the game. With the victory, the boys team were rewarded with not only the league
championship but a chance to play in the Provincial A cup in July.

Over the course of the season, the '01 AC Selects had a record of 13 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in league play. The 1 loss was to Surrey Guildford United
who they played in a semi-final on February 25th. In the semi-final, Port Moody played a fantastic possession and passing game and cruised to a 3-0
win with goals from Ethan Gaddu (2) and Alonso Alva to earn their spot in the final.

The coaching staff, Johnny Sulentic, John Colbourne, Admir Salihovic, and Al Montgomery are proud of the way each and every one of the boys have persevered
through a challenging season (snow, illness, injuries, more snow), showed commitment to each other and their coaches, and kept their composure in a
final like no other. It's been an unforgettable season so far. The team is now getting ready to start Coastal Cup play and prepare for the Provincials
in July.